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 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research

Research Highlights
2014/15

ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research

(Two times winner of Sardar Patel Outstanding ICAR Institution Award)
Kozhikode, Kerala, India

Research Highlights
1 2014/15
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research

Correct citation
Prasath D, Dinesh R, Senthil Kumar CM, Lijo Thomas (Eds) (2015)
Research Highlights 2014/15, ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research,
Kozhikode, Kerala, India p.20.

Publisher
M. Anandaraj
Director
ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research
Kozhikode

Editorial board
D Prasath
R Dinesh
CM Senthil Kumar
Lijo Thomas

February 2015

Printed at
GK Printers, Kochi.

Research Highlights 2
2014/15
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research

PREFACE
The summary of research achievements of the institute during 2014/15 is presented
here as Research Highlights. During this year, 255 accessions of black pepper were collected
which includes 170 cultivars and 85 accessions of related taxa. A population of Piper barberi
considered to be an endangered species was located in the evergreen forests of Anakulam for-
est range. In a farmer participatory germplasm collection, 31 nutmeg accessions including few
farmers varieties and few unique germplasm were collected and conserved. A cardamom variety
‘Appangala-2’ developed through heterosis breeding has been recommended for release by AI-
CRPS.
The fertilizer recommendations for cardamom were made for fixed target yield levels
based on the soil test values for Appangala-1 and Green gold varieties. In vitro antioxidant activ-
ity and cytotoxicity of sequential extracts from selected black pepper varieties and Piper species
indicated highest antioxidant activity in methanol extract of Malabar Excel followed by methanol
extract of P. colubrinum. In vitro cytotoxicity indicated that chloroform extract of all the samples
and hexane extract of P. colubrinum showed high cytotoxicity.
Screening of natural products and newer insecticides against cardamom thrips indicat-
ed that Spinosad, a natural product (derived from Saccharopolyspora spinosa), with low honey
bee toxicity can be used for the effective management of cardamom thrips. Also, the field trials
with the promising entomopathogenic fungus Lecanicillium psalliotae for the control of carda-
mom thrips indicated that basal application of L. psalliotae and as spray and basal application
gave better control.
The institute conducted 17 training programmes of various durations for effective tech-
nology transfer to diverse stakeholder groups like farmers, youth, tribal beneficiaries and stu-
dents. We have also embarked on empowering the tribal farmers under the aegis of the Tribal
Sub-Plan of ICAR. In KVK, about 107 training programmes for practicing farmers and farm
women, rural youth and extension functionaries were conducted and 3263 trainees were ben-
efitted. Nine front line demonstrations and five on farm trials on technology assessment and
refinement were carried out. Non-exclusive license for commercializing designer micronutrient
formulations have been given to four agencies through Business Planning and Development
(BPD) unit.
I consider it a privilege to place on record the encouragement given by Dr. S. Ayyap-
pan, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR. We are also grateful for the strong support
and guidance received from Dr. N.K. Krishnakumar, Deputy Director General (Horticulture), Dr
S.K. Malhotra, former ADG (Hort. II) and Dr. T. Janakiraman, ADG (Hort.). I appreciate the
efforts and zeal shown by all the project investigators in executing various programmes. The fi-
nancial support for the projects received from ICAR is gratefully acknowledged. I also commend
the editors for having compiled and brought out this publication.

Kozhikode M. Anandaraj
18.02.2015 Director

Research Highlights
3 2014/15
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research

CONTENTS
1. Black pepper - 5
2. Cardamom - 10
3. Ginger - 12
4. Turmeric - 14
5. Tree spices - 15
6. Institute technology management unit (ITMU) - 16
7. Extension and training - 17
8. Krishi vigyan kendra - 18
9. All India coordinated research project on spices - 19
10. Human resource development - 20
11. New network projects - 20
Research Highlights 4
2014/15
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research
BLACK PEPPER
Genetic resources
Systematic surveys for collecting genetic
resources of Piper were conducted at Anaku-
lam, Virippara, Pettimudi and Kadalar forests of
Mankulam forest division besides farmer’s plots
at Munnar, Idukki, Thodupuzha, and Kannur in
Kerala and Coorg district in Karnataka. A total
of 255 accessions were collected during the sur-
vey including 170 cultivars and 85 accessions of
related taxa. A population of Piper barberi consid-
ered to be an endangered species was located in
the evergreen forests of Anakulam forest range.
The present status of germplasm holding at
the NAGS is 3181 (1669 cultivars, 1503 accessions
of related taxa and 9 exotic species). A germplasm
block consisting of 427 accessions was established
at CHES, Chettalli as an alternate center. A field
gene bank comprising 223 local cultivars was es-
tablished at the Chelavoor main campus.
Breeding
A replicated yield trial involving 10 improved
lines/selections and two controls was laid out at
Peruvannamuzhi farm. The entries flowered are
Hp780-5/30; OPKm-1/30; Thevam-7/30; Hp1411-
1/30; Sreekara 6/30 and a back cross progeny-3/30
(Fig 1).
Fig. 1. Spikes of the back cross progeny [HP1117 x Aim-
pirian] x Aimpirian
Seedling populations derived from cv. Vad-
akkan x bold berried accession (Wayanadan bold)
were raised. Lateral branches of Agali pepper, the
Research Highlights
5 2014/15
accession having high bulk density were collected
and rooted for breeding purpose.
Molecular biology
Drought stress
Ubiquitin gene, the most stable reference
gene was identified using three different acces-
sions of Piper nigrum under water deficit stress us-
ing Reffinder software. GAPD gene was found to
be least stable under the above conditions. Among
the genes tested for expression analysis in differ-
ent accessions, Myb and NAC protein genes were
found to be expressed three fold and above in
susceptible cv. Sreekara under water deficit when
compared to control. The increase in expression of
these genes was low in drought tolerant line, Acc.
4216. Dehydrin gene was again found to be ex-
pressed many fold in Acc. 4216 compared to low
expression in Sreekara.
Characterization of mentor
grafted progeny
Seedling progenies grafted on to P. colubri-
num showing characteristics of the root stock are
being investigated for the presence of sequences
from P. colubrinum using sequencing approaches
(dd-RAD sequencing). Of the 1186604 million
IlluminaHiSeq reads, 2000 reads of about 100bp
in length were recovered. The variant calling was
also performed in this sample from which, 4685
SNPs and 77 INDELs were identified at a mini-
mum read depth of 10x.
Phytophthora capsici – Piper colu-
brinum interaction
Quantitative RT-PCR was employed to assess
the level of expression of pathogenicity genes of
P. capsici viz., Glycoside hydrolase, NPP1, RXLR
and Pectate lyase during P. capsici - P. colubrinum
interaction (Fig. 2a-d). Glycoside hydrolase and
RXLR genes showed high levels of expression dur-
ing early stages of infection (up to 16 hpi), where-
as the NPP1 gene showed maximum expression at
later stages of infection (at 72 hpi). Pectate lyase
gene showed high level of expression at early stag-
es of infection but was down regulated during the
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research
later stages of infection. The expression of these
genes during initial phase of infection clearly indi-
cated the importance of these pathogenicity genes
during host colonization.
Phylogenetic analysis of these pathogenicity
genes was also carried out to find the evolutionary
relationship of these genes to other Phytophthora
species. The predicted proteins of glycoside hydro-
lase, NPP1, RXLR and Pectate lyase were grouped
into cluster belonging to P. capsici sequences in
the database, except in the case of glycoside hy-
drolase, which was grouped along with P. sojae.
Fig. 2a. Relative expression of glycoside hydrolase gene
Fig. 2b. Relative expression of NPP 1 gene
Fig. 2c. Relative expression of RXLR gene
Fig. 2d. Relative expression of pectate lyase gene
In planta expression and docking stud-
ies of a glucanase inhibitor gene from
Phytophthora capsici and beta 1, 3 glu-
canase gene from Piper colubrinum
The sequence characterization, in planta ex-
pression analysis and molecular docking studies
of Glucanase inhibitor protein (GIP) and P. colu-
brinum endo beta-1,3 glucanase genes (pcEGase)
based on sequence information derived from the
P. capsici whole genome sequence data and P. colu-
brinum transcriptome data, respectively were car-
ried out. The GIP gene from P. capsici have a 1059
bp ORF, encoding a putative peptide of 353 amino
acids and the partial sequence of (pcEGase) gene
from P. colubrinum had a 936 bp ORF, encoding a
putative peptide of 312 amino acids. The expres-
sion of these genes was studied in planta at differ-
ent time points by qRT-PCR. The in planta expres-
sion of GIP gene from P. capsici was at its peak
during initial hours of challenge inoculation and
the expression of pcEGase gene was at its peak at
16 hpi (hours post inoculation). The peak expres-
sion of pcEGase gene from P. colubrinum at 16 hpi
and sharp decrease in later periods indicated the
successful neutralizing activity of the pcEGase
gene against the GIP gene in this incompatible
plant- pathogen interaction. Three-dimensional
model of GIP and pcEGase gene was constructed
and molecular docking studies predicted sites on
the surfaces of pcEGase gene and GIP that may
be involved in high affinity binding. Molecular
docking studies between pcEGase gene and GIP
revealed that substrate inhibition is obtained by
recognizing arginine and isoleucine residues in
substrate molecule.
Research Highlights 6
2014/15
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research
Identification and characteri-
zation of miRNAs in P. colu-
brinum
The de novo assembled P. colubrinum tran-
scripts were analyzed for lncRNAs (long non-cod-
ing primary RNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and
further their corresponding mRNA targets. Of the
4542 targets, 881 transcripts were predicted with
putative functions which will help to understand
the molecular basis of miRNA inhibition.
Phytophthora – P. nigrum in-
teraction
Targeted expression analysis of two NBS-
LRR gene loci/ beta 1, 3 glucanase locus was
done in IISR Shakthi and Subhakara with the
validated internal control genes from P. nigrum
(GAPDH+UBCE). The R genes showed early ex-
pression in resistant variety than in susceptible.
The glucanase gene showed constitutive expres-
sion in both the genotypes with the up regulation
only in resistant variety upon infection with P.
capsici. The susceptible variety recorded the down
regulation of the gene. A full length cDNA library
was generated for identification of the genes that
are associated in defense mechanism against foot
rot disease caused by P. capsici.
Host resistance
Hundred and forty progenies of Panniyur 1 x
Subhakara were screened against P. capsici infec-
tion. Two progenies were found to tolerate stem
infection. Fifty five open pollinated progenies of
IISR Shakthi and 27 open pollinated progenies of
04-P24 were screened for Phytophthora resistance.
Three progenies of IISR Shakthi were found to tol-
erate stem infection.
Post harvest technology
In vitro antioxidant activity and cyto-
toxicity of sequential extracts from se-
lected black pepper varieties and Piper
species
Antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of
Research Highlights
7 2014/15
four medicinally valued Piper species viz., Piper
nigrum, P. chaba, P. longum and P. colubrinum
were examined. Among all extracts investigated,
methanol extracts showed highest antioxidant ac-
tivity followed by chloroform extracts for all the
four assays. Methanol extract of cv. Malabar Excel
was found to be highest for all the assays followed
by methanol extract of P. colubrinum. In vitro
cytotoxicity was checked on cervical cancer cell
line CaSki by MTT assay. Results indicated that
chloroform extract of all the samples and hexane
extract of P. colubrinum showed high cytotoxic-
ity. Cytotoxicity increased with increase in the
amount of extract as well as time of exposure of
extract with CaSki. But chloroform extracts of P.
longum and P. colubrinum were found to be highly
toxic to CaSki than all other screened extracts for
all three time intervals.
Disease management
Integrated management of Phy-
tophthora foot rot and slow decline
diseases
Field evaluation of bioagents integrated with
chemicals effective against Phytophthora and
nematodes showed that Metalaxyl-mz 0.125% +
carbosulfan 0.1% + Trichoderma harzianum + Po-
chonia chlamydosporia was effective in reducing
yellowing and decline of vines.
Evaluation of Actinomycetes
against nematodes
An experiment to study effect of Actinomy-
cetes on nematodes in planta showed that com-
bined application of IISR Act 2 (Ketosatospora
setae) with IISR Act 5 (Streptomyces sp.) or IISR
Act 9 (S. tauricus) was effective in reducing the
nematode population in the soil to an extent of 58
- 75%.
Biological control
In pot experiment with 15 Trichoderma iso-
lates, highest growth promotion was observed
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research
in PhytoFuRa-3 followed by PhytoFuRa-14 and
highest biomass production was in PhytoFuRa-10.
The isolate PhytoFuRa-10 consistently showed
significantly higher biocontrol potential against
Phytophthora foot rot.
Comparative genomics of
Phytophthora species
Secretome analyses of Phytophthora species
(P. capsici (05-06 and 98-93), P. sojae, P. infestans,
P. ramorum) were done using different softwares
like SignalP, TMHMM and TargetP. Proteins with
signal peptides were identified by sorting out
proteins without trans-membrane domains and
sub-cellular localization for further comparative
genomics studies.
Anthracnose
Artificial induction of perfect stage of
Collecotrichum gloeosporioides infect-
ing black pepper
The perfect stage (perithecia) was artifi-
cially induced under in vitro conditions based on
mating-test model, in which sterilized toothpicks,
dried leaves and twigs of black pepper as well as
split, unsplit twigs of silky oak placed between
confronting inoculum sources (pathogen culture,
infected young and dried leaves of black pepper)
served as inert platforms for the induction of peri-
thecia.
Under in vitro conditions, production of
perithecia was observed in all the combinations.
While, formation of ascospores (indication of fer-
tile perithecia) was observed only in the combina-
tion of dried black pepper twig + infected young
and dried leaves. Exudate (Fig. 3) embedded with
ascospores produced from fertile perithecia was
observed in the combination; black pepper twig
+ infected young leaf even three months after in-
oculation indicating longevity and fertile nature of
the perithecia. The twigs with exudate, partly or
wholly, when tested for infectivity on variety Pan-
niyur-1 under lab and field conditions resulted
in the development of characteristic anthracnose
symptoms 4-6 days after inoculation.
Fig. 3. Exudate embedded with ascospores produced
from fertile perithecia
Sequential events in the colo-
nization and proliferation of
C. gloeosporioides
Sequential events involved in the infection
process of C. gloeosporioides were studied under
laboratory conditions. The leaf samples collected
at 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after in-
oculation were subjected to staining, destaining
and microscopically examined. Conidial germi-
nation (Fig 4a) was observed 4 h after inoculation.
The germinating conidia were found congregat-
ing more towards stomatal region and 75 % of
conidia germinated either with one (most cases)
or two germ tubes after 10-12 h. Higher percent-
age of germination was noticed, when the conidia
were in disaggregated condition which later pro-
duced melanized appressoria (Fig 4b). The infec-
tion hyphae originating from appressoria entered
through stomata and subsequent intra/intercel-
lular invasion was observed. Invading hyphae in
the mesophyll cells and localized tissue death (Fig
4c) were noticed after 48 h. Acervulus initials were
formed and mature acervuli with prominent setae
(Fig 4d) were observed after 48 and 72 h, respec-
tively. Several localized necrotic spots manifested
on leaf surface after 72 h and the invaded epider-
mal cells turned brown, resulting in rapid collapse
and death 72 h after inoculation.
Research Highlights 8
2014/15
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research
a b
c d
Fig. 4a. Conidial germination 4 h after inoculation, b.
melanized appressoria formation, c. localized tissue
death, d. acervuli with prominent setae
New target genes in Radopho-
lus similis
Potential target genes of R. similis involved
in parasitism such as FMR Famide-like pep-
tides (nematode FLPs), β-1, 4, endoglucanase,
transthyretin-like protein 3 precursor, serine-
threonine phosphatases and survival such as
glutathione-S-transferase(s), acetylcholinesterase,
tetratricopeptide TPR-1, superoxide-dismutase
and actin were amplified and sequenced.
Viral disease
Rapid identification of transgenic black
pepper using loop-mediated isothermal
amplification (LAMP) and real-time
LAMP assays
A loop-mediated isothermal amplification
(LAMP) and real-time LAMP based assays were
developed for quick and sensitive detection of
transgenic black pepper plants. Primers (six each)
were designed based on the nucleotide sequence
of two target regions [kanamycin and Cauliflower
mosaic virus (CaMV) 35 S promoter] integrated
into the genome of transgenic black pepper. The
following conditions: 6 mM of magnesium sul-
phate, 0.4 M of betaine and 1h of reaction time
proved optimal for amplification of the LAMP
Research Highlights
9 2014/15
assay. Both assays successfully detected the trans-
genic plants whereas no cross-reaction was re-
corded with non-transgenic plants. The sensitivity
of LAMP was up to 104 times that of conventional
PCR while real-time LAMP was up to 103 times
that of LAMP. The assays were validated by testing
putative transformants of black pepper. The re-
sults presented clearly showed that LAMP and re-
al-time LAMP assays developed in this study can
provide a rapid and simple approach for screening
transgenic black pepper and other plants trans-
formed by using the above target gene sequences.
Sequencing of RNA2 and RNA3 of Cu-
cumber mosaic virus infecting black
pepper
Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is a tripar-
tite ssRNA virus infecting large number of crops
including black pepper. RNA1 of CMV codes for
viral replicase while RNA2 and RNA3 each codes
for two proteins namely RNA polymerase (2a),
silencing suppressor (2b), movement protein (3a)
and coat protein (3b). Cloning and sequencing
of 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b gene of black pepper isolate
of CMV showed that it consists of 2573, 337, 840
and 657 nucleotides respectively potentially en-
coding proteins with 857, 111, 279 and 218 amino
acids respectively. Sequence comparison showed
that black pepper isolate of CMV shared 92−95%
and 70−71% identity in 2a with CMV subgroup I
and II respectively, while it was 82−95% and 65%
in 2b; 91−97% and 79% in 3a and 91−99% and
76−77% in 3b. In the phylogeny all the four genes
(2a, 2b, 3a and 3b) showed close clustering with
CMV subgroup I strains and distant relationship
with subgroup II strains. Among the four genes,
3b showed high level of sequence conservation
while 2b showed the least with other members in
the subgroup.
Screening against Piper yellow mottle
virus (PYMoV)
Out of 2437 germplasam accessions screened
for resistance against Piper yellow mottle virus,
four accessions showed resistance in the prelimi-
nary test.
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research
CARDAMOM
Genetic resources
A total of 618 accessions are being main-
tained at NAGS, which consist of 442 accessions
from IISR Regional Station, Appangala; 73 acces-
sions from Pampadumpara; 47 accessions from
Mudigere and 56 from Sakleshpur. About 117
accessions were characterized for morphological
and yield characters. FGB-13 and FGB- 82 record-
ed maximum yield and more number of capsules
per plant.
Breeding
The accession, IC 547167 (Appangala 1 x
NKE 19) with potential yield of 1393.12 kg/ha
(three years after planting) and mean yield of
456.79 kg/ha over locations, with mosaic resist-
ance and good quality characters has been recom-
mended for release in Karnataka as new variety
under the name Appangala 2 (Fig. 5) by XXV AI-
CRPS meeting held at UBKVV, Pundibari, West
Bengal in September 2014.
Fig. 5. Appangala-2, a high yielding cardamom mosaic
virus resistant hybrid
Crop management
Standardizing the parameters for target
yield
Based on the previous year’s crop yield under
different treatments and the nutrient uptake data
the nutrient removal for producing 100 kg of cap-
sule was worked out and fertilizer recommenda-
tions were made for fixed target yield levels based
on the soil test values for Appangala-1 and Green
gold varieties. In both the varieties, the recorded
yield parameters were higher in target specific ap-
plications as compared to the blanket recommen-
dations.
In green gold, recorded yield levels per plant
basis was 0.7, 0.9 and 0.9 kg/plant for the targets
0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 kg/plant with a positive mean de-
viation of 72, 55 and 15%, respectively. Similarly,
in Appangala-1 yield per plant has shown a posi-
tive mean deviation of 83, 76 and 14% for the fixed
target levels. The mean bias error and root mean
square deviation for the prediction model and the
recorded (projected) yield were also minimum,
indicating better fitness of the target yield equa-
tion
Soil carbon pools buildup under crop-
ping systems
The total and particulate organic carbon
(POC) and nitrogen pools were quantified under
different spice based cropping systems and high
density multiple cropping system. The POC and
PON pools were higher in coffee + pepper system
(56.7 & 16.8 mg/ha) with highest total organic C
& N (TOC & TON) pools (90.1 & 33.4 mg/ha).
POC constituted 63% of TOC in this system. The
non particulate carbon and nitrogen (NPOC &
NPON) pools were higher under cardamom alone
and coffee + pepper + cardamom cropping system
(67.3 and 58.3 mg/ha) constituting 73-78% of
TOC pools.
Among different management systems in
black pepper, organic management has accu-
mulated higher POC, NPOC and TOC pools as
compared to integrated and conventional man-
agement systems. In HDMCS, black pepper basin
has accumulated highest TOC, NPOC and POC
pools (106.8, 71.6, 35.2 mg/ha, respectively) and
coconut and nutmeg systems had higher NPON
and PON (7 & 0.8 mg/ha) as compared to other
component crops.
Quality evaluation of cardamom varie-
ties
Eighteen varieties viz., Njallani, Panniku-
langara-1, Pannikulangara-2, Thiruthali, Elarajan
and Wonder cardamom collected from Idukki
district were analyzed for essential oil profile. The
Research Highlights 10
2014/15
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research
essential oil content ranged between 5.8-7.4% on
capsule weight basis. Pannikulangara-2 recorded
highest essential oil content. Among the 21 com-
ponents identified, the chief constituents of the
oil, 1,8-cineole and α-terpinyl acetate varied be-
tween 18.1-32.7% and 36.9-48.5%, respectively.
Concentration of pinene, sabinene, myrcene,
α-terpineol, 4-terpineol, nerol, neryl acetate and
nerolidol ranged from 1-5%.
Quality evaluation using E-nose
Hand-held electronic nose was modified
with suitable sensor array for determining quality.
Samples were analyzed using the modified hand-
held electronic nose for essential oil content and
could be graded into low (<4.0%), medium (4.0-
6.0%) and high (>6%).
Pest management
Management of thrips (Sciothrips car-
damomi)
Screening of natural products and newer in-
secticides for three years at Appangala indicated
that Spinosad, a natural product (derived from
Saccharopolyspora spinosa), with low honey bee
toxicity can be used for the effective management
of thrips. The product can also be used in organic
system.
Evaluation of entomopathogenic fun-
gus
Field trials with the promising entomopatho-
genic fungus Lecanicillium psalliotae for the con-
trol of thrips were conducted at Kodagu, Wayanad
and Idukki. The trials indicated that basal applica-
tion of L. psalliotae and as spray and basal applica-
tion gave better control than other treatments at
Wayanad.
Studies on Wolbachia
Studies on removal of the endosymbiont
Wolbachia from thrips as a strategy for its man-
agement indicated that when the thrips were fed
with tetracycline (20 mg/mL) treated leaves for 5
days, Wolbachia was completely eliminated from
the insect system which was confirmed by mo-
lecular studies.
Research Highlights
11 2014/15
Root grub (Basilepta fulvicorne)
Infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes
(EPNs) against root grub, Basilepta fulvicorne was
tested in vitro. Among the test EPNs, Heterorhab-
ditis sp. (IISR-EPN 01) and O. gingeri (IISR-EPN
07) were more pathogenic as they caused 100%
mortality to the insect within 72 h post exposure,
followed by Steinernema sp. (IISR-EPN 03), S. car-
pocapsae (IISR-EPN 06) and Oscheius sp. (IISR-
EPN 08). Steinernema sp. (IISR-EPN 02) and Os-
cheius sp. (IISR-EPN 04 and 05) took 120 h to kill
the test insect.
Anthracnose
Occurrence of perfect stage of C. gloe-
osporioides
Surveys carried out in cardamom planta-
tions revealed manifestation of different types of
foliar symptoms viz., spot, blight and shredding.
The cultures isolated from these symptomatic
samples exhibited variations in colony morphol-
ogy and colour. Among the cultures, greyish white
culture appeared puffy with a faster growth rate
(14 mm/day) and produced dark brown-black,
globose perithecia, four weeks after incubation.
Microscopic examination of perithecia (Fig. 6a)
revealed the presence of narrow, cylindrical, uni-
tunicate asci (Fig. 6b) with hyaline, aseptate, cy-
lindrical ascospores (Fig. 6c).
a b
Fig. 6a. Perithecia Fig. 6b. unitunicate asci
c
Fig. 6c. ascospores
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research

Differential reaction of C. gloeospori-

oides isolates on varieties
Differential reaction of 20 C. gloeosporioides
isolates was studied on cardamom varieties viz.,
Appangala 1, IISR Vijetha and IISR Avinash by
employing prominence of yellow halo and streak
as well as lesion area as criteria for recording
a
observation. The isolates exhibited differential
reaction as indicated by prominence and non-
prominence of yellow halo and streak. The area of
lesions developed on young leaves varied between
4.91 – 40.82, 7.85 – 60.45 and 11.78 – 38.47 mm2
in IISR Avinash, IISR Vijetha and Appangala 1, re-
spectively.
b
Evaluation of microbes for antagonis- Fig. 7. Unique bold ginger collection from a. Kerala b.
tic potential against rhizome and root West Bengal
rot pathogens under in vitro condi-
tions Breeding
The endophytic fungal isolates from varie- Among 13 extra bold ginger accessions eval-
ties IISR Vijetha, IISR Avinash and Appangala-I uated, maximum fresh and bold rhizomes were
recorded in Acc. 723, Acc. 247 followed by Acc.
were evaluated in vitro for antagonistic efficacy
713
against Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani
and Pythium vexans. Among the isolates tested, Four genotypes (IISR Varada, IISR Mahima,
Va 4-2 (IISR Vijetha), Cb 4-1, Cb 6-2 (Appangala Acc. 182 and Acc. 247) were subjected to Yirradia-
1) and Aa 1-1 (IISR Avinash) were found promis- tion (900 buds each) at different doses of 0.80, 1.00
ing against F. oxysporum. While, Cb 4-1, Cb 6-2 and 1.20 kR at Mangalore University, Mangaluru,
Karnataka. Differential response was observed for
(Appangala 1) and Ab 6 (IISR Avinash) were ef-
germination (Fig 8). The M1V1 mutants were es-
fective against P. vexans and Cb 2 (Appangala 1) tablished in the green house for screening against
was inhibitory to R. solani. Pythium sp.

GINGER
Genetic resources
Six hundred and sixty eight Zingiber acces-
sions have been maintained in the field gene bank.
Germplasm conservatory was enriched with 10
ginger accessions including two extra bold local Fig. 8. Radio sensitivity of ginger cultivars exposed to
ginger from Kerala and West Bengal (Fig 7a,b). different doses of gamma rays

Research Highlights 12
2014/15
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research
Three potential mutants against Ralstonia
solanacearum (HP 0.5/2, HP 0.5/15 and M 0.5/1)
were clonally multiplied for further screening and
evaluation. Also, three potential mutants identi-
fied against Pyhtium sp. (V 0.5/2, R 0.8/1 and R
1.25/4) were multiplied for further screening.
Genetic diversity in Curcuma am- Whole genome sequencing of Ral-
ada stonia solanacearum
Thirty accessions of C. amada have been
screened for resistance to race 4 strain of R. sola-
nacearum by soil and pseudostem inoculation
methods. Two accessions were found to be re-
sistant by both soil and pseudostem inoculation.
Bright field and fluorescence microscopic work
was carried out with inoculated and uninoculated
samples of C. amada and Z. officinale. It was no-
ticed that the stelar portion of C. amada had ex-
tensively thick cell walls compared to Z. officinale.
The casparian thickenings were clear and thick
compared with the endodermal cells of Z. offici-
nale.
Tissue specific expression analy- Pest management
sis of shortlisted genes/ESTs using
qPCR Hairy Caterpillar (Spilarctia obli-
qua)
Among the candidate genes LRR-NBS, ABC
transporters, 4-coumarate: coenzyme A ligase
(4-CL), WRKY transcription factor 8 and callose
synthase were studied for their expression level
in ginger and mango ginger at different time in-
tervals (0, 1, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hpi)
in leaves and pseudostem. In general, the expres-
sion patterns of the genes were higher in C. amada
compared to Z. officinale.
Crop management
Fertigation scheduling
Fertigation schedule is being standardized
under soil less ginger production using coir pith
and farm yard manure (1:1). Five treatments with
varying doses of fertilizers (75-125 %) and 75 %
recommended dose + PGPR was laid out. Sam-
Research Highlights
13 2014/15
pling at 120 DAP showed that the maximum dry
matter was partitioned into stem (43-50 %) fol-
lowed by rhizome (25-32 %) and control (solid
fertilizer at monthly interval) followed by recom-
mended dose had the maximum rhizome fresh
weight.
Two strains of R. solanacearum (GRs-SIK
and GRs-MEP) were Illumina sequenced and
the raw data has been assembled using A5-mis-
eq. Both the strains have been annotated using
Prokka (a software tool for the rapid annotation
of prokaryotic genomes). In GRs-MEP there are
5120 CDS, 80 tRNA, and 1tmRNAwhile GRs-SIK
possesses 5080 CDS, 63 tRNA and 1 tmRNA. To
better classify the predicted proteins from Prokka,
a refined annotation has been done using Blast-
2GO with 1.0E-3 as e-value cut off and 33 as HSP
cut off length. The genomes were mined for vari-
ous effector proteins and other virulence factors.
A new tetrahedral shaped, multiple nucle-
ocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (IISR-NPV-02)
(Fig. 9) isolated from S. obliqua was characterized
based on sequencing of conserved baculovirus
genes and restriction endonuclease analysis. Poly-
hedrin and lef-9 gene sequencing and phyloge-
netic analyses revealed that SpobNPV is a new
addition to the group I NPVs and is very closely
related to other NPVs infecting Arctiidae. Restric-
tion endonuclease analysis with Pst I, Xho I and
Hind III indicated that the approximate genome
size of SpobNPV as 131 kb. In laboratory bioas-
says the LD50 value of the NPV against third in-
star of S. obliqua was 43 OBs/larva. The median
lethal time for third instar larvae was 181.01 h at
a dose of 1 × 106 OBs/ mL and 166.99 h at a dose
of 1 × 108 OBs/ mL, respectively, indicating high
virulence of the isolated new strain of SpobNPV.
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research
Fig. 9. Scanning electron microscopy of NPV infecting
S. obliqua
TURMERIC
Genetic resources
One thousand four hundred and four Curcuma
accessions are being maintained in the field gene
bank. Germplasm conservatory was enriched
with five Curcuma accessions.
Breeding
A multi-locational trial with three prom-
ising accessions (Acc. 48, Acc. 79 and Acc. 849)
along IISR Prathiba and local check was laid out
in Kerala (Peruvannamuzhi), Andhra Pradesh
(Vijayawada), Tamil Nadu (Erode) and Karnataka
(Chamrajanagar and Chettali). The short duration
genotypes viz., Acc. 48 and Acc. 79 performed
well under different locations.
Molecular biology
Amplification of full length cDNA
A simple protocol for cloning of full length
gene was optimized by inverse PCR combined
with SMART system using gene specific primers.
Full length cDNA of curcumin synthase 3 (curs3)
with 137 bp of 5’ UTR and 299 bp of 3’ UTR was
amplified from normalized cDNA library con-
structed from pooled tissues of turmeric using
curs3 specific outward primers.
Cloning of specific miRNAs
Four miRNAs viz., miR156, miR167, miR172
and miR396 were cloned and sequenced by stem
loop RT-PCR method. Among these, targets of two
miRNAs viz., miR156 and miR172 were predicted
and identified as squamosa promoter binding
like genes and floral homeotic protein AETALA
2 like isoform X1, respectively. Targets were also
identified for miRNAs identified through deep
sequencing which mainly included conserved
transcription factors. Important targets identified
were growth regulating factors (GRFs), NAC do-
main containing proteins, F-box family proteins,
GAMYB transcription factor like proteins, ho-
meobox leucine zipper proteins, TCP transcrip-
tion factors and three auxin response factors were
targeted by miR396, miR164, miR394, miR319,
miR166, miR171 and miR160, respectively.
Table 1. Details of miRNAs identified by cloning
miRNAs Reference Abundance Sequence Targeted gene
miRNAs length
clo-miR156 osa-miR156 82 20 SPL
clo-miR167 ath-miR167 281 21 NA
clo-miR172 ath-miR172 13 21 ethylene
responsive
TF-AP2 like
clo-miR396 ath-miR396 751 21 NA
Mining for genomic SSRs
MultiNA analysis of 10 polymorphic genom-
ic SSR primers (CLM 2, CLM 25, CLM 33, CLM
34, CLM 61, CumiSat 8, CumiSat 18, CumiSat
20, CumiSat 22, CumiSat 28) in 96 turmeric ac-
cessions was performed (Fig. 10). MultiNA is
a microchip based electrophoresis system with
high sensitivity detection that uses LED excited
fluorescence detector. Although major differences
among the released varieties could not be detect-
ed, the varieties Suvarna, Suguna and Sudarshana
could be distinguished from other released vari-
eties and also Suvarna showed a distinguishable
pattern from the rest.
Research Highlights 14
2014/15
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research

Fig. 10. Profiling of SSR primer CLM2 in 96 accessions of Curcuma

Influence of coloured shade nets 28.4 %, respectively) in comparison to control

(36.9 and 51.9%, respectively) which was on par
on ginger and turmeric produc- with malathion treatment (18.4 and 24.6%, re-
tion spectively).

Ginger and turmeric were grown under red,

green, white and black shade nets with conven-
tional planting as control. Light (PAR) intensity in
shade nets varied from 58-63% of open light in- TREE SPICES
tensity. Sampling at 140 DAP revealed that parti-
tioning to rhizomes varied from 45-53% in ginger Genetic resources
and 28-31% in turmeric. Total fresh weight and A farmer participatory nutmeg germplasm
partitioning to rhizomes were maximum under collection was made in Idukki, Kottayam, and
red shade net in ginger but were almost similar in Malappuram districts of Kerala and 31 nutmeg
turmeric. germplasm including few farmers varieties were
collected and conserved (Fig. 11a-e). The unique
Pest management germplasm collected include a nutmeg with rudi-
mentary sterile seed; nutmeg with bold nut; thick
Shoot Borer (Conogethes punctif- and entire mace type; high yielding monoecious
nutmeg and Punnathanam Jathi, a farmers variety
eralis) which had very bold nut and thick mace.
Studies on symbiotic bacteria of EPNs
The symbiotic bacterium associated with
Heterorhabditis sp. (IISR-EPN 01), promising
against shoot borer of ginger and turmeric was
identified as Photorhabdus luminescens (IISR-EPN
BC 09) on the basis of morphological, biochemi-
cal and molecular characterization. a b

Evaluation of EPNs
The efficacy of four promising EPNs such as
Heterorhabditids sp. (IISR-EPN 01), Steinernema
sp. (IISR-EPN 02), O. gingeri (IISR-EPN 07) and c d e
Oscheius sp. (IISR-EPN 08) was tested against
shoot borer infesting ginger and turmeric under Fig. 11a. Nutmeg collection with thick mace covering
field conditions. Among the test EPNs, O. gingeri entire seed
(IISR-EPN 07) treated plants showed minimum Fig. 11b. The bold nut collection
shoot damage in ginger and turmeric (19.4 and Fig. 11 c-e. Nutmeg with rudimentary sterile seed

Research Highlights
15 2014/15
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research
Molecular biology
Isolation and amplification of
genomic DNA from nutmeg mace
A protocol was developed to isolate high
quality DNA from nutmeg mace (Fig. 12). The
purity of the DNA was checked by qualitative
and quantitative estimation, restriction digestion,
RAPD and amplification of the barcoding loci
rbcL and ITS.
Standardisation of barcoding
loci rbcL and ITS for Myristica
species (M. fragrans, M. malabarica,
M.andamanica, M. fatua, M. beddomei,
M. amygdalina)
The PCR temperature profiles were opti-
mized with annealing temperatures of 52.5°C and
56°C for rbcL and ITS loci respectively. The rbcL
and ITS amplicons yielded products of 600bp and
500bp respectively (Fig 12).
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13
600bp
Fig. 12. Amplification of rbcL locus. Lanes 1-4 – Myris-
tica fragrans, lanes 4-8- M. malabarica, lane 9- M. anda-
manica, lane 10A- M. fatua, lane 11- M. beddomei, lane
12- M. amygdalina.
Generation of barcode sequences
The matK barcode sequences for some Cin-
namomum species (C. verum, C. glaucescens, C.
sulphuratum) were generated and submitted to
GenBank nucleotide database of NCBI.
Post harvest technology
Phytochemical analysis of Myris-
tica species
Essential oil profile of nut, mace and peri-
carp of M. fragrans was studied. Nut and mace had
similar composition, the chief components being
sabinene, pinenes, myrcene, γ- terpinene, 4- ter-
pineol, safrole, myristicin and elemicin. The peri-
carp of M. fragrans was dominated by 4-terpin-
eol, α-terpineol, γ-terpinene, α-terpinene, pinenes
and myrcene. Seeds of M. prainii and M. fragrans
yielded 40% and 32% butter, respectively. Fatty
acid profile of nuts of M. prainii and M.fragrans
indicated that both were dominated by myristic
acid (>80%).
Antioxidant activity of volatiles of
nutmeg
Antioxidant activity of major essential oil
constituents of M. fragrans viz., myristicin, 4- ter-
pineol and α-terpineol were compared by DPPH
and Phoshomolybdenum methods. Results
showed that myristicin had higher antioxidant
potential.
Documentation of natural
enemies
Surveys for entomopathogens and other
natural enemies of spice crop (black pepper, car-
damom, ginger, turmeric, garcinia and nutmeg)
pests were conducted in Idukki, Wayanad and
Kozhikode districts of Kerala, Coimbatore and
Nilgiris Districts in Tamil Nadu and Dimapur
District in Nagaland. The host insects included
black pepper scale, Aspidiotus destructor, carda-
mom thrips, S. cardamomi, cardamom scale, Aul-
acaspis sp., garcinia hopper, Busoniomimus man-
junathi, and nutmeg shoot borer, Sinoxylon anale.
The fungus infecting B. manjunathi was identified
as Metarhizium flavoviridae (IISR-EPF-03) and
the fungus infecting S. cardamomi as Isaria sp.(
IISR-EPF-03) based on morphological and mo-
lecular studies. The identity of the four larval and
pupal parasitoids of ginger shoot borer collected
during the surveys were confirmed as Eriborus ri-
cini, Xanthopimpla stemmator, Trathala flavoorbi-
talis and Apanteles sp.
INSTITUTE TECHNOLOGY
MANAGEMENT UNIT (ITMU)
During the year, four licenses have been is-
sued to Rainbow Agri Life, Kadapa, Andhra
Research Highlights 16
2014/15
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research
Pradesh thorough NRDC for the commercializa-
tion of micronutrient mixtures for black pepper,
ginger, turmeric and cardamom. The license for
turmeric variety, IISR Prathibha was renewed.
A non exclusive license for the commercial pro-
duction of Trichoderma harzianum was issued to
District Agricultural Farm, Thaliparamba, Kerala.
The office and incubation facilities were licensed
to a private company.
Four consultancy visits were carried out to
deliver technical advices to plantations. As a part
of BPD activities, the scientists of the institute
participated and delivered lectures on processing
of spices and business incubation facility of IISR
during the workshops organized by the District
Industries Centre Wayanad, Kerala, State Small
Industries Association etc. A Spice Process-
ing Unit with facilities for cleaning and grading
of black pepper, white pepper and curry powder
production has been installed at IISR Experimen-
tal Farm, Peruvannamuzhi (Fig. 13).
Fig. 13. Spice processing unit at IISR farm, Peruvanna-
muzhi
EXTENSION AND TRAINING
Transfer of technology pro-
grammes
The institute conducted 17 training pro-
grammes of various durations for effective tech-
nology transfer to diverse stakeholder groups like
farmers, youth, tribal beneficiaries and students.
The training programmes included both on-cam-
Research Highlights
17 2014/15
pus and off campus trainings. Six training pro-
grammes were conducted exclusively for the bene-
fit of tribal farmers. The training programmes and
strategies for technology transfer were deployed
across a wide geographical region through lever-
aging the linkages with other institutions in pub-
lic, NGO and cooperative sector. Apart from this,
the Agricultural Technology Information Center
facilitated and organized group visits and short
orientation programmes for organized groups of
students and farmers. The visitors included farm-
ers, farm women and students from other states
also. The customized advisory services offered by
the ATIC remain popular and was availed by more
than 3500 stakeholders during the last year. The
advisory services was provided across categories
like varietal selection, plant protection, facilitating
input delivery, nutrient management etc.
Rehabilitation package for
Wayanad
Soil samples collected from hot spot areas in
four Panchayats (180 nos) were analyzed for the
pathogen load of which 10 were found to be Phy-
tophthora positive and advisories were given for
control. The soil and leaf samples were also ana-
lyzed for major, secondary and micro nutrients
and results with crop specific recommendations
passed on to the farmers. Five visits were made
by team of scientists to hot spot areas to educate
on soil health and disease problems including
three farmers’ seminars on black pepper nursery/
cultivation. Seventy five FLD plots spread across
Poothadi, Mullankolli, Pulpally, Thirunelli and
Meppadi Panchayats to demonstrate combating
yellowing of black pepper are being maintained
by supply of inputs like neem cake, vermicompost,
bio control agents and micronutrient mixtures.
The plots with moderate to high yellowing have
become healthy by the adoption of site specific
technology package involving soil acidity correc-
tion, biocontrol application and micronutrient
management.
Study on trends in export of spice
oils and oleoresins from India
The export of value added commodities de-
rived from spices have shown a sustained positive
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research
trend over the last several years. The increase has
occurred across the commodities, which indicates
a general shift in the preference for value added
products over the raw materials in the major ex-
port markets for Indian spices. The fact that food
industry has evolved as the major consumer of
spices, replacing the retail household consumer
segment, has aided this shift in favor of value
added products like spice oils and spice oleores-
ins. The processed food industry is one of the
major segments which has shown robust growth
during the immediate past. It is expected that this
segment shall witness further growth and consoli-
dation in the medium term. This means that the
demand for value added spice derivatives in the
export market shall remain strong in the coming
years.
Quick estimate of potential of
technology interventions in black
pepper
The district wise data on district wise area
production and productivity of black pepper in
Kerala and Karnataka for the period correspond-
ing to the 11th five year plan was used to estimate
the yield gap and the potential for yield enhance-
ment through technology adoption in these states.
The technology backed yield potential was calcu-
lated for individual states based on the yield of
pepper obtained in the varietal trials conducted
in the state under All India Coordinated Research
Project on Spices (AICRPS) during the period
2007-08-2011-12. The average yield gap of black
pepper in Kerala and Karnataka was estimated to
be 309 kg/ha and 634 kg/ha respectively. The to-
tal production gap in quantity terms due to non-
adoption of technology was estimated to be about
50,000 tonnes at the national level. The technol-
ogy generated by the public funded research insti-
tutions offer tremendous scope for enhancing the
productivity levels of pepper in the country.
KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA
During the period, KVK has conducted 107
training programmes for practicing farmers and
farm women, rural youth and extension func-
tionaries in the disciplines of agronomy, horti-
culture, animal sciences, home science, fisheries,
plant protection and allied fields. A total of 3263
trainees were benefitted out of the programmes.
Nine Front Line Demonstrations and five On
Farm Trials on technology assessment and refine-
ment were carried out during this period. Among
these, technologies on upland rice cultivation
(Fig. 14a), IISR nutrient mixture for ginger, cul-
tivation of Renusree variety of amaranthus, trans-
planting technique of ginger using pro-trays were
well received by farmers. One gardeners’ training
programme of six months duration was organized
under the sponsorship of State Horticulture Mis-
sion empowering 25 rural youth. Out of these, 12
trainees started self-employment units in various
nursery activities. The Kendra operates a Plant
and Animal Clinic offering various services to
farmers, in which 570 consultancy services, 12700
vaccinations of poultry birds and animals and two
animal health campaigns (Fig. 14b) were conduct-
ed. KVK also gives soil health cards to farmers
after testing soils from their plots. Participatory
seed production on high yielding varieties of gin-
ger and turmeric was also taken up in four farm-
ers plots. The Centre is providing Short Message
Service (SMS) to all registered farmers on latest
updates in agriculture and allied field over their
mobile phones. KVK has so far sent twelve SMS
and five voice messages benefitting 743 farmers
and 151 Extension functionaries. The Kendra con-
ducted nine seminars, participated in nine Kisan
Mela cum exhibitions, broadcasted six radio talks
and conducted three study tours for farmers to
various research institutes. During this period an
amount of Rs.5.19 lakhs has been realized through
sale of various technological inputs benefiting
8572 farmers. KVK started a mobile sales unit
to supply planting materials and other inputs to
farmers of remote areas of the district. KVK also
documented eight farmer innovations during this
period which was selected by ATMA for further
refinement. A hatchery unit with a production
capacity of 20000 day old layer chicks per month
was developed at KVK during this period.
Research Highlights 18
2014/15
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research
• LFC 103: A high yielding Fenugreek variety –
suitable for both irrigated and rainfed condi-
tions

Safer new molecule for integrated

disease management in black pep-
per
New fungi toxicant molecule Fenomidone
a
(10%) + Mancozeb (50%) @ 2 L/vine as spray and
3 L/vine as drenching along with Trichoderma
harzianum 50 g with 1.0 kg of neem cake as soil
application during 1st week of June and 3rd of Au-
gust reduced leaf infection, yellowing, defoliation
and death of vines and recommended for adop-
tion in Karnataka state.

Fertigation in cardamom
Technology for fertigation in small carda-
b mom was developed which saves 44% water and
25% fertilizer by application of 9 L/clump with
Fig. 14 a. Harvesting upland rice, b. animal health cam-
paign
75% of recommended dose of fertilizers.

Nutrient supplementation through

ALL INDIA COORDINAT-
ED RESEARCH PROJECT
ON SPICES
Genetic resources
This year over 75 new collections were col-
lected in black pepper, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg,
and clove.
New varieties
Developed five high yielding spices varieties,
which were recommended for release:
• Two cardamom varieties –Appangala 2 (first
hybrid resistant to Katte virus) and PV 3
(moderately resistant to drought)
• Two coriander varieties – RCr 475 (bushy and
erect plant type) and Narendra Dhania 2 (dual
purpose variety)
organic manure in ginger
For integrated nutrient management in gin-
ger the fertilizer dosage of FYM, 30 t/ha + NPK
80:50:50 kg/ha under Bihar conditions was rec-
ommended.
Control of rhizome rot of ginger
by biofumigation
Crop residues of mustard and cabbage in-
corporated in soil (biofumigation) and rhizome
treatment with Metalaxyl + Mancozeb 1.25 g/L
of water for 15-20 minutes is recommended for
management of rhizome rot of ginger.
Micronutrients for yield enhance-
ment in turmeric
For iron deficient soils of Bihar foliar applica-
tion of ferrous sulphate @ 0.5% at 60 and 90 days
after planting is beneficial for yield enhancement.

Research Highlights
19 2014/15
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research
Nutrient management in off-sea-
son coriander leaf production was
standardized
Application of NPK @ 30:40:20 kg/ ha along
with spraying of GA, 15 ppm at 20 DAS was rec-
ommended to get maximum leaf yield of corian-
der (4824 kg/ha). Yield increase of 25% over con-
trol was observed.
PGPR in fenugreek, coriander and
fennel
Seed pelletizing with IISR PGPR strains ei-
ther FK-14 (Pseudomonas putida) or FL-18 (Mac-
robacterium paraoxydans) or combination of
both was found as effective as talc formulation @
1.5 kg/ha seed treatment. The treatment has in-
creased the yield on average by 10-15% in Andhra
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Uttar
Pradesh conditions
Micro irrigation in Fennel
Micro irrigation technology was developed
for higher seed yield (30.8 t/ha) in fennel when
fennel was planted in paired rows with drip irriga-
tion at 0.8 IW/CPE ratio.
HUMAN RESOURCE
DEVELOPMENT
Trainings conducted
• DBT sponsored short term training course on
Genomics and proteomics in plants and mi-
crobes towards translational research, January
21 – February 10, 2015 (Fig. 15).
Fig 15. DBT Short term training on ‘Genomics and pro-
teomics in plants and microbes towards translational
research’
NEW NETWORK PROJECTS
ICAR has approved two new network pro-
jects viz., High Value Compounds and Organic
Horticulture in XII plan with ICAR-IISR as the
Nodal Institute. The projects started functioning
by November 2014.
The total budget of High Value Compounds
and Phytochemicals is Rs. 2560 lakhs for the XII
plan period with nine ICAR partner institutes.
Prediction and validation of nutraceuticals and
functional properties of phytochemicals/ and high
value compounds identified from selected crop
plants, developing knowledge base, in silico, in
vitro and in vivo validations, and developing for-
mulations are the major objectives of the project.
The broad objectives identified for Net-
work Project on Organic Farming in Horticulture
Crops are, evaluation of suitable organic amend-
ments for meeting the nutrient requirement and
pest and disease management, developing an
organic package for different horticulture crops.
This network includes nine ICAR research insti-
tutes with a budget allocation of Rs. 300 lakhs for
the XII plan period.
Research Highlights 20
2014/15
 ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research

Intensifying black pepper

production

with rooting media was conceptualized

and six months old rooted top shoots with
one or two lateral branches were planted
during April 2014. The vertical column
(3 m height, 50 cm width) was made with
a plastic coated welded wire mesh filled
with composted pasteurised cocopeat and
powdered dry cow dung @ 3:1 ratio. The
column was irrigated regularly with drip
system; nutrient was applied in liquid form
through media and foliar. As and when
vines put-forth new node, it was firmly
fixed along the rooting medium filled in
the vertical column and this facilitated in
converting the clinging root to absorbing

T
raditionally pepper is trailed on live support trees
in India, whereas, in few other pepper producing
countries non-living support mainly wooden poles
are also used. A new and novel idea of providing support
root, which in turn accelerated the growth
of pepper. In this way the pepper vine cov-
ered the entire column within 10 months
time and started producing spike in the
same year.

Research Highlights
21 2014/15
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